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The Diagnosis (May 1, 2002)Though I will try to keep this posting light, but we have some serious news to relay. We have been waiting since Sunday for a definitive diagnosis. On Tuesday, we were assigned an oncologist. His preliminary diagnosis was that the tumors were lymphoma. Since there are dozens of types of lymphoma, he wanted to wait until Wednesday to get more definitive results before starting chemotherapy, but since the cancer is progressing so fast, knew he couldn't wait too long. They were going to use the CHOP regimen (each letter of which indicates some medication, but I can't remember what) which is effective in 80% of the cases. They normally like to wait 10 days post surgery to begin chemotherapy. One of the reasons they like to wait after surgery is that the chemo pretty well destroys the immune system and there is a much greater chance of infection. He is on massive doses of antibiotics right now. The biopsy results show he has Burkitt's Lymphoma. It is a very fast moving cancer that must be treated very aggressively. They will most likely begin chemo tomorrow. It is good they waited and got the results back as the CHOP regimen is not as effective on this type of lymphoma as the other recipe of choice. Kent will have treatments weekly, with a different mix each time. Kent was moved out of ICU this afternoon and went straight to the oncology ward where they understand the treatment regimen better than the surgical ward. He had a bone marrow test, bone sample taken, and lots of other labs done. He also had a catheter embedded in his chest which will make IVs easier to do without destroying the veins in his arms. (He did mention that he will have to carry a card that says he has an embedded appliance in case he sets off the alarms at the airport. Since he really hates flying now, that doesn't seem to be an issue with us.) Kent has not made any major breakthroughs with his legs, but there is some progress. He has some "moon boots" that alternately inflate to help the circulation in his legs. (Really cool, takes down the swelling very effectively. I'd like to borrow them since my feet swell so bad.) Yesterday he had some voluntary twitching in the muscles just above the left knee. Today, he also had some just below the kneecap. Still no movement, but the fact that there is twitching means the signals are starting to get through. We are thankful for small miracles. We are grateful for the knowledge and skill of the doctors who are managing his case. Though it is a more rare type of cancer, the oncologist has some experience with this and we are confident with his ability to treat it. We are also grateful for the prayers and support of our family and friends. We have word of prayers going up all over the world. I have received so many offers of help, I am kind of overwhelmed right now. I'm pretty self-sufficient. I had to be when Kent was traveling so much. I may take you up on it when I have time to think, but for now, just knowing that help is only a phone call away takes a big load off. If you are interested in more information about Burkitt's Lymphoma here are some links provided by our friends the Baldings. The notes are Dave's.
In the meantime, please continue to uphold us in prayer. Kent will need the strength and stamina to fight this disease and the treatment regimen. I need to be able to leave it in God's (and the doctor's) hands. And the doctors need the skill and wisdom to make the right choices in treatment. I'll keep you updated as I can. Sally |